Washington, DC, November 7, 2025 – Yesterday, the Embassy of Italy in Washington hosted the annual event of the Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation (ISSNAF), which brings together thousands of Italian scientists, academics, and technologists active in laboratories, universities, and research and innovation centers across North America, dedicated this year to quantum technologies.
Welcoming the participants, Ambassador of Italy to the United States Marco Peronaci emphasized, “By helping to maintain strong ties between Italian researchers and scholars in North America and the Italian research ecosystem, ISSNAF serves as an extraordinary catalyst for new joint initiatives and projects between Italy and the United States in the most advanced areas of scientific research.” Recalling that scientific and technological cooperation is a strategic priority of the bilateral relationship, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of technological innovation for the economic growth and national security of both countries.
In her opening message, Italian Minister of Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini referred to the recent launch of Italy’s National Quantum Strategy, a milestone placing the country at the forefront of this transformative frontier. Minister Bernini also reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Italy to increasing investment in science and fostering forward-looking research collaborations.
Expressing gratitude to Ambassador Peronaci and Minister Bernini for their support, ISSNAF President Cinzia Zuffada outlined the main achievements of a year’s work to strengthen the international dimension of higher education and research in Italy. The Foundation has been building a system that offers young Italians opportunities for professional growth through programs hosted by ISSNAF members affiliated with universities and research laboratories throughout North America, creating a virtuous circle to enhance higher education and encourage broader scientific collaboration. “A few months ago, we presented our program at a conference of Italian university representatives organized in Rome in collaboration with MUR [the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research] and CRUI [the Conference of Italian University Rectors] to promote awareness and adoption of the initiative, which was met with great enthusiasm,” Zuffada noted.
The event, held at the Embassy of Italy in Washington under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, provided an opportunity to deepen the scientific and innovation partnership between Italy and the United States, with a special focus on quantum technologies. The topic was chosen for this year’s ISSNAF event to coincide with the “year of quantum” and in recognition of the recent Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for fundamental contributions in this field.
In addition to the Embassy event, Ambassador Peronaci hosted a reception at Villa Firenze that was attended by Darío Gil, Under Secretary for Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, responsible for funding all seventeen U.S. National Laboratories, a signal of the importance the U.S. Administration attaches to its relationship with Italy, including in the realm of scientific research and advanced technologies.
The quantum domain is redefining the boundaries of science and innovation. Applications in quantum computing, sensing, and imaging promise to transform strategic sectors, from scientific research to industry, with far-reaching implications for security, communications, and medicine, and with significant opportunities for synergy between the United States and Italy. The initiative was also part of the 2025 Young Investigator Embassy of Italy Award, which this year honors outstanding contributions to research in quantum technologies by young Italian scientists working in the United States.
The program opened with remarks by Tommaso Calarco, Coordinator of Italy’s National Quantum Technologies Strategy and Professor at the University of Bologna, who outlined the strategic guidelines and development opportunities in this key field. This was followed by a roundtable discussion titled “The Present and Future of Quantum Technologies”, which explored recent advances and upcoming challenges, focusing on practical applications and industrial implications. Panelists included Anna Grassellino, Director of the National Quantum Information Science Center at Fermilab; Tommaso Macrì, Senior Director of Business Development at QuEra Computing Inc.; Stefano Poletto, Director of Quantum Engineering at Rigetti Computing Inc.; and Massimo Ruzzene, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes at the University of Colorado Boulder. The discussion was moderated by Andrea Alù, Distinguished Professor and Einstein Professor of Physics at the City University of New York. The event offered a platform for dialogue among academic, institutional, and industry experts, aimed at exploring the potential of quantum technologies and fostering synergies between academia and manufacturing and between Italy and the United States.
